T+37: Government Subsidies, Private Capability, and the 2010 National Space Policy

Four members of the House of Representatives sent letters to DARPA and the Pentagon this week to file a complaint about a program in conflict with the 2010 National Space Policy. It’s a situation reminiscent of the debate over commercial use of retired ICBMs as low-cost launch vehicles, except this time, Orbital ATK is on the other side. I discuss the current issues and how their resolution may affect future policy decisions.

This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 4 executive producers—Pat O, Matt Giraitis, Jorge Perez, and one anonymous—and 28 other supporters on Patreon.

• Elon Musk on Twitter: “@gdoehne Expendable. Future flights will go on Falcon Heavy or the upgraded Falcon 9.”
• Issue #11 - Main Engine Cut Off
• Orbital ATK For and Against Government Subsidies - Main Engine Cut Off
• DARPA satellite-servicing project comes under congressional fire - SpaceNews.com
• Current debate on ICBM use a throwback to the 1990s - SpaceNews.com
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